If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that checks all the boxes—rich, flavorful, and super easy to whip up—you have got to try this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal: tender chicken breasts perfectly seasoned and nestled over a bed of creamy, cheesy rice that soaks up all those incredible flavors. The magic here is how everything cooks together in one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but quality ingredients is the secret to this dish’s amazing flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role: from the juicy chicken breasts providing protein, to the creamy Parmesan cheese delivering that irresistible richness, and spices like garlic powder and paprika adding depth and color.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: juicy and lean, they form the hearty centerpiece of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown and locking in flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: adds a subtle, aromatic punch that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: brings a gentle smoky note and vibrant hue to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: the starchy base that cooks up fluffy and perfect for soaking in all the creamy goodness.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps everything moist.
- 1 cup heavy cream: the key to that luxuriously creamy texture that makes this recipe irresistible.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: sharp, nutty, and melty, it brings the dish to life with its iconic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: a blend of herbs that tie everything together with a fresh, herbaceous note.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herb-iness at the end.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, generously season your chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear each piece in the hot oil for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust—this step locks in juices and flavors. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside; don’t worry, it will finish cooking later in the rice mixture.
Step 2: Combine the Rice and Liquids
In the same skillet, add the long-grain rice, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to evenly mix the ingredients and scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken—this adds extra flavor to the rice. This creamy and rich base is what transforms this dish from ordinary to absolutely delicious.
Step 3: Nestle the Chicken and Simmer
Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them right into the rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the creamy, cheesy liquid, creating a velvety, luscious texture.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This final touch brightens up the creamy richness beautifully and makes it look as good as it tastes. Serve it right from the pan for an easy, impressive meal that everyone will love.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a classic choice that brings a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy rice and savory chicken. You can also try lemon zest or a few grinds of black pepper for an extra zing that livens up every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make perfect companions. Their fresh crunch and lightness balance all the creamy richness on your plate, keeping the meal harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this dish in individual small cast-iron skillets or pretty bowls for a rustic feel. You can also garnish with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate it further. The silky rice and tender chicken look stunning with a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers if you want to impress guests visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice may thicken, so stirring in a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating helps restore that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftovers by placing the dish in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, consume within 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the moisture and flavor balance.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or cream so the rice doesn’t dry out. Stir occasionally until everything is warmed through and the chicken stays tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice in this recipe?
Long-grain rice works best here for its ability to cook up fluffy without getting mushy, but you can experiment with basmati or jasmine for different aromas and texture. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios as needed.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more fat and flavor, making the dish even juicier. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy creamer and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The dish will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. It should feel firm but still tender when pressed gently.
Can this recipe be made in an oven-safe skillet?
Definitely! After searing the chicken and mixing everything, you can transfer the skillet to a 350°F oven, cover, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a fuss-free, cozy meal that feels both homey and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table happily. I truly hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do—once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to dinner!
Print
One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken & Rice is a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared before being gently cooked together with rice in a creamy Parmesan-infused broth, creating a rich, comforting dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Rice and Sauce
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and sear chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy rice mixture: In the same skillet, add the uncooked long-grain rice along with chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir the ingredients together to combine well and incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the chicken.
- Simmer chicken and rice: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the rice mixture in the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken and rice to cook undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a bright, fresh garnish. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Be sure to use a lid to cover the skillet while simmering to trap steam and properly cook the rice.
- For extra flavor, you can add minced garlic when sautéing the chicken at the start.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream to 1/2 cup and increase chicken broth to 2 cups.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for best texture and melt.
